Choose by Babywearing Activity: What will you be doing while carrying your child?

For Quick Trips to the grocery store, the post office, etc: I love a pouch or structured carrier. Easy on and off, with no dragging straps, adjusting or tying.

Hiking: Structured carriers win my vote for hiking.

• The Pikkolo is a good choice for hiking with younger babies because it has the needed head support and can also accomodate forward-facing hold.
• The ERGO is perfect for heavier children, because it distributes the weight to your hips from your shoulders and back. Many people say their children feel almost weightless in the Ergo.
• Wraps and Mei Tais can also work well for hiking, especially if you pretie them so you don’t have dragging material on the ground. Many 4-6 month babies like to be able to see over your shoulder in a high back carry, so this might be the carrier of choice for hiking at this age if you don't want to carry baby on your front.

Housework, Yardwork or other Manual Labor: Any carrier that gives a secure back carry is good for doing light manual activties. These truly leave your hands free and you are able to bend without holding on to your child. Consider a wrap, mei tai or (for older child) a structured carrier. It's challenging to do housework with baby on your hip or front, although many people do.

Swimming: Yes, you can swim or shower while wearing your child! Gypsy Mama water wraps and Kangaroo Korner Adjustable Mesh pouches are my choice.

Eating Out My recommendations for eating in a restaurant (or anywhere else) are a front carry in a wrap, pouch or ring sling. Any carrier that leaves baby's legs dangling is too awkward. Likewise, hip and back carries don't really work in this situation either since you are sitting down.